Lemon Herb Pasta Salad with Green Beans is a light, refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a side to any meal. The combination of al dente pasta, crisp green beans, and a zesty lemon herb dressing makes for a bright, flavorful salad that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. The fresh herbs and tangy lemon create a simple but vibrant dressing that brings everything together beautifully.
I first made this pasta salad when I was looking for something fresh and healthy to complement a BBQ dinner. The green beans added a nice crunch, and the lemon dressing gave the salad a burst of freshness. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can add other veggies like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers, toss in some feta or mozzarella for creaminess, or even add grilled chicken for extra protein. Whether served on its own or as a side dish, Lemon Herb Pasta Salad with Green Beans is the perfect addition to any meal!
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Perfect for:
- Summer picnics
- BBQs and cookouts
- Potlucks
- Light lunches
- Lemon and herb enthusiasts
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Lemon Herb Pasta Salad with Green Beans will quickly become your go-to salad:
- Fresh and Vibrant Flavor: The combination of lemon and herbs offers a refreshing and zesty taste that will brighten your day.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and quick prep time make this recipe a hassle-free addition to your menu.
- Perfectly Balanced: The crisp green beans add a delightful crunch, while the pasta provides a satisfying bite.
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to add in extra vegetables or protein for a more substantial meal.
- Light yet Filling: This salad is light enough for a side dish but filling enough for a standalone meal.
- Healthy and Nutritious: With fresh ingredients and plenty of veggies, this salad is a healthy choice for any occasion.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and let the flavors marinate for an even tastier result.
- Great for Meal Prep: This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for lunch during the week.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a great dish for everyone—kids and adults alike will enjoy its mild yet flavorful profile.
- A Beautiful Presentation: The bright green beans and fresh herbs make this salad visually stunning and perfect for any gathering.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 8g
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne)
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Lemon Herb Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Lemon: Adds a refreshing, citrusy zing to the dressing and brightens up the salad.
- Fresh Green Beans: Provide a crisp texture and vibrant color to the dish.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley and basil offer a fragrant, aromatic flavor profile.
- Olive Oil: A healthy fat that serves as the base for the flavorful dressing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Blanch the Green Beans:
- Boil Water for Green Beans: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil.
- Blanch the Green Beans: Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain again.
Prepare the Dressing:
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, garlic, and honey (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, green beans, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the lemon herb dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra fresh herbs and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Lemon Herb Pasta Salad with Green Beans:
- As a Light Lunch: Perfect for a quick, refreshing meal on warm days.
- With Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
- At Summer BBQs: A great side dish to pair with grilled meats or veggie burgers.
- For Potlucks: Bring this salad to share at your next gathering—it’s sure to be a hit.
- With a Side of Garlic Bread: For a more filling meal, pair this salad with warm garlic bread.
- As a Picnic Dish: Easy to pack and perfect for a day in the park.
- With Grilled Vegetables: Add grilled zucchini, peppers, or eggplant for a more veggie-forward option.
- As a Side for Steaks: A refreshing counterpoint to rich grilled steaks or burgers.
- For Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week for easy lunches.
- With Feta or Parmesan Cheese: Crumbled feta or shaved parmesan can be added for an extra burst of flavor.
Additional Tips
- Use a Pasta with Texture: Opt for short pasta like rotini or penne that holds the dressing well.
- Blanch the Green Beans: Blanching the green beans helps them retain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill enhances the flavor as the dressing soaks into the pasta and veggies.
- Customize the Herbs: Feel free to mix in other herbs like thyme or dill for a different flavor profile.
- Use Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs make this dish even more delicious and vibrant.
Recipe Variations
- Add Protein: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier salad.
- Pesto Version: Replace the lemon herb dressing with a fresh basil pesto for a richer flavor.
- Vegan Option: Skip the honey in the dressing and opt for a dairy-free pasta option.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes for a more savory twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the dressing for a bit of heat.
- Greek Style: Add feta cheese and Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
Special Equipment
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta and blanching the green beans.
- Ice Bath: To quickly cool the green beans after blanching.
- Whisk: For combining the dressing ingredients.
- Large Mixing Bowl: To toss the salad ingredients together.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping herbs, tomatoes, and onion.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: To measure ingredients for the dressing.
- Salad Tongs: For tossing and serving the salad.
- Serving Dish: For presenting the salad beautifully at the table.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh green beans are recommended for the best texture, but you can use frozen if necessary. Just make sure to blanch them well. - How long does this salad last in the fridge?
The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add cucumbers, bell peppers, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and texture. - Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and a slightly nutty flavor. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just give it a good toss before serving. - Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. - Can I use a different kind of mustard?
Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick, but you can substitute with yellow mustard if preferred. - Can I add cheese to this salad?
Yes, feta cheese, goat cheese, or parmesan work well with this salad. - Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch. - Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Conclusion
Lemon Herb Pasta Salad with Green Beans is a light, refreshing, and vibrant dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a side at any gathering. The combination of al dente pasta, crisp green beans, and a zesty lemon herb dressing creates a refreshing balance of flavors. The lemon adds a tangy brightness, while the fresh herbs bring a burst of aromatic flavor, making this salad a crowd-pleasing favorite.
This recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it a great choice for busy days when you need a delicious side dish. You can easily customize the salad by adding other vegetables, nuts, or cheese for added texture and flavor. Whether served as a side or as a light main dish, Lemon Herb Pasta Salad with Green Beans is sure to brighten up your meal.
I can’t wait to see how your Lemon Herb Pasta Salad with Green Beans turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your tasty creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!